Tanzania and Zanzibar Safari & Beach Holiday

Tanzania and Zanzibar Safari & Beach Holiday will give you the best of both worlds. This holiday will allow you to experience the thrill of seeing wild animals in their natural habitat and the relaxation of soaking up the sun on white sandy beaches.

In this blog post, I will give you the ultimate guide to the Tanzania safari and Zanzibar beach holiday, covering everything from when to go, where to stay, what to do, what to eat, and what to pack. You will also discover some of these destinations’ secrets and hidden gems that will make your holiday even more memorable.

Tanzania and Zanzibar Safari & Beach Holiday is great for travelers who want to enjoy nature, wildlife, and culture. It offers a unique opportunity to explore different ecosystems, landscapes, and cultures in one trip. You can witness the beauty and diversity of life on earth, from the majestic lions and elephants of the savanna to the colorful fish and ocean coral reefs.

You can also learn about the history and traditions of the people who live in these places and experience their hospitality and cuisine. However, combining a safari and beach holiday is not always easy. It requires careful planning, preparation, and coordination. It would be best to consider the weather, the seasons, the logistics, the costs, and the preferences of yourself and your travel companions.

Spending time and energy between adventure and relaxation would be best, being and chilling out. Fortunately, some destinations make enjoying a safari and beach holiday easier without compromising quality or convenience. One of them is Tanzania and Zanzibar.

Tanzania is one of the best safari destinations in Africa, with a rich biodiversity and various landscapes. It is home to over 20% of Africa’s large mammals, including the famous Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo. It also hosts the largest terrestrial mammal migration in the world: the Great Migration of wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle across the Serengeti plains.

Some of the most popular and iconic wildlife destinations in Tanzania are:

* Serengeti National Park: This is Tanzania’s most famous national park and one of the most visited in Africa. It covers an area of 14,763 square kilometers (5,700 square miles) and is part of the larger Serengeti ecosystem that extends into Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve. The park is renowned for its abundant wildlife, especially during the Great Migration from July to October. Millions of animals are moving across the park in search of water and grasslands. You can also see predators such as lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and crocodiles hunting their prey. The best way to explore the park is by driving in a 4×4 vehicle with a guide or by taking a hot air balloon ride over the park.

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* Ngorongoro Crater: This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is considered one of the world’s natural wonders. It is a large volcanic caldera that measures 19 kilometers (12 miles) across and 600 meters (2,000 feet) deep. It contains diverse habitats, from forests to grasslands to lakes. It is also home to more than 25,000 animals, including some of Africa’s highest densities of lions and black rhinos. You can see elephants, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, flamingos, hippos, hyenas, jackals, and many more. The best way to explore the crater is by driving along its rim or descending onto its floor with a guide.

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* Selous Game Reserve: This is one of Africa’s largest and oldest game reserves. It covers an area of 50,000 square kilometers (19,000 square miles), more significant than Switzerland. It is also one of Africa’s most pristine and untouched wilderness areas. Its diverse landscape includes rivers, lakes, swamps, woodlands, grasslands, and mountains. It hosts more than 2,000 plant species and 4 00 bird species. It also has many elephants, hippos, crocodiles, giraffes, antelopes, and wild dogs. The best way to explore the reserve is by taking a boat safari along the Rufiji River or by flying in a small plane over the reserve.

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* Tarangire National Park: This is a relatively small but scenic national park that covers an area of 2,850 square kilometers (1,100 square miles). It is named after the Tarangire River, which flows through the park and provides water for the animals. The park is famous for its large herds of elephants, which can number up to 3,000 in the dry season. You can also see baobab trees, acacia trees, termite mounds, and rocky hills. The park has a variety of animals, such as lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, jackals, zebras, wildebeest, giraffes, buffaloes, antelopes, and monkeys. The best way to explore the park is by driving in a 4×4 vehicle with a guide or taking a night game drive with a spotlight.

Zanzibar is one of the most beautiful and exotic islands in the Indian Ocean. It is about 40 kilometers (25 miles) off the coast of Tanzania and consists of two main islands: Unguja and Pemba. It has a fascinating history and culture that reflects its influences from Arab, Persian, Indian, African, and European traders and colonizers. It is also known as the Spice Island for its production of cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and other spices.

Zanzibar has some of the most stunning and diverse beaches in the world. They range from white sand to coral rock to mangrove forests. They offer a variety of activities, attractions, and experiences for travelers who love the sea. Some of the most stunning and diverse beaches of Zanzibar are:

* Nungwi Beach: This is one of Zanzibar’s most popular and lively beaches. It is located on the northern tip of Unguja island and has a long stretch of white sand and turquoise water. It is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, diving, sailing, fishing, and sunbathing. It also has a vibrant nightlife with bars, restaurants, and clubs. You can also visit the Nungwi village and see the traditional dhow boats and the turtle sanctuary.

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* Kendwa Beach: This is another beautiful beach on the northwest coast of Unguja Island. It is similar to Nungwi Beach but quieter and more relaxed. It has soft sand and clear water, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. It also has a stunning view of the sunset over the ocean. You can also enjoy water sports such as kayaking, jet skiing, or parasailing.

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* Paje Beach: This is one of the best beaches for kite surfing in Zanzibar. It is located on the east coast of Unguja island and has a wide and flat sandbar that creates ideal wind conditions for kite surfing. It also has a shallow lagoon that is great for swimming and snorkeling. You can also see local fishermen and seaweed farmers working on the beach.

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* Matemwe Beach: This is one of Zanzibar’s most secluded and tranquil beaches. It is located on the northeast coast of Unguja island and has a long, narrow strip of sand surrounded by palm trees and coral reefs. It is ideal for relaxing and enjoying nature. You can also take a boat trip to Mnemba Island, a private island with some of the best diving spots in Zanzibar.

Combining a Tanzania and Zanzibar Safari & Beach Holiday is easy and convenient. You can choose from various options depending on your itinerary, duration, budget, and preferences.

Some of the factors that you need to consider when combining a safari and beach holiday in Zanzibar are:

* The order: You can start with a safari or a beach holiday or alternate between them. There are pros and cons for each option. Beginning with a safari can give you a thrilling and exciting start to your holiday, but it can also be tiring and exhausting. Beginning with a beach holiday can give you a relaxing and refreshing start to your holiday, but it can also make you less motivated and adventurous. Alternating between a safari and beach holiday can give you a balanced and varied holiday, but it can also be costly and time-consuming.

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* The duration: You can choose how long you want to spend on each part of your holiday, depending on your availability, interests, and goals. You can spend as little as one day or as much as two weeks on each part. The average duration for a safari and beach holiday in Zanzibar is about ten days, with five days for safari and five days for beach. However, you can adjust this according to your preferences and goals. For example, if you are more interested in wildlife, you can spend more time on safari. If you are more interested in relaxation, you can spend more time on the beach.

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* The budget: You can choose how much you want to spend on each part of your holiday, depending on your financial situation, expectations, and standards. You can find a range of safari and beach holiday options in Zanzibar, from budget to luxury. The average cost for a safari and beach holiday in Zanzibar is about $3,000 per person, excluding flights. However, you can reduce or increase this amount by choosing different types of accommodation, transportation, activities, and operators.

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* The preferences: You can choose what kind of safari and beach holiday you want in Zanzibar, depending on your personality, taste, and mood. You can find various safari and beach holiday options in Zanzibar, from adventurous to romantic. For example, you can stay in a tented camp or a lodge on safari or in a hotel or a resort on the beach. You can also choose to do different activities on safari and beach, such as game drives or walking safaris, snorkeling or diving, cultural tours, or spa treatments.

Some of the possible combinations of safari and beach destinations in Zanzibar are:

* Serengeti-Nungwi: This is an excellent combination for travelers who want to see the Great Migration and enjoy the lively nightlife of Zanzibar. You can spend three days in Serengeti National Park, witnessing the spectacular movement of millions of animals across the plains. You can also see predators such as lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and crocodiles hunting their prey. Then you can spend four days in Nungwi Beach, relaxing on the white sand and turquoise water. You can swim, snorkel, dive, sail, fish, and sunbathe. You can also visit the Nungwi village and see the traditional dhow boats and the turtle sanctuary. You can enjoy the vibrant nightlife at night with bars, restaurants, and clubs.

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* Ngorongoro-Kendwa: This is an excellent combination for travelers who want to see the natural wonder of the Ngorongoro Crater and enjoy the stunning sunset over the ocean. You can spend two days in Ngorongoro Crater, exploring the diverse habitats and wildlife of the caldera. You can see elephants, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, flamingos, hippos, hyenas, jackals, and many more. You can also see some of Africa’s highest densities of lions and black rhinos. Then you can spend five days in Kendwa Beach, relaxing on the soft sand and clear water. You can swim, snorkel, dive, sail, fish, and sunbathe. You can also enjoy water sports such as kayaking, jet skiing, or parasailing. In the evening, you can watch the stunning sunset over the ocean.

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* Selous-Paje: This is an excellent combination for travelers who want to see the pristine and untouched wilderness of Selous Game Reserve and enjoy the best kite surfing spot in Zanzibar. You can spend four days in Selous Game Reserve, experiencing one of Africa’s largest and oldest game reserves. The reserve shows a diverse range of animals, plants, and scenery. You can also take a boat safari along the Rufiji River or fly over the reserve in a small plane. Then you can spend three days in Paje Beach, enjoying one of Zanzibar’s best kite surfing beaches. You can swim, snorkel, dive, sail, fish, and sunbathe. You can also see local fishermen and seaweed farmers working on the beach.

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* Tarangire-Matemwe: This is an excellent combination for travelers who want to see the large herds of elephants and baobab trees of Tarangire National Park and enjoy the secluded and tranquil Matemwe Beach. You can spend two days in Tarangire National Park, admiring the scenic landscape and wildlife of the park. You can see elephants, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, giraffes, antelopes, and monkeys. You can also see baobab trees, acacia trees, termite mounds, and rocky hills. You can also take a night game drive with a spotlight. Then, you can spend five days in Matemwe Beach, relaxing on the long, narrow strip of sand surrounded by palm trees and coral reefs. You can swim, snorkel, dive, sail, fish, and sunbathe. You can also take a boat trip to Mnemba Island, a private island with some of the best diving spots in Zanzibar.

These are just examples of combining a safari and beach holiday in Zanzibar. You can also customize your combination according to your preferences and goals.

The weather and seasons affect the Tanzania and Zanzibar Safari & Beach Holiday. They influence the availability of water, the visibility of animals, the clarity of water, the crowd levels, the prices, and the festivals.

Some of the factors that determine the best time to visit for a safari and beach holiday are:

Animal Migrations: The Great Migration of wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle across the Serengeti plains is one of the most spectacular wildlife events in the world. It takes place from July to October when the animals move from the dry south to the wet north in search of water and grasslands. This is also the best time to see predators such as lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and crocodiles hunting their prey. However, this is also the peak season for tourism, which means higher prices and more crowds.

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Water Visibility: The water visibility in Zanzibar depends on the tides, the winds, and the seasons. The best time to enjoy snorkeling and diving in Zanzibar is from June to October when the water is calm, clear, and warm. You can see a variety of fish and coral reefs in the water. However, this is also the dry season in Zanzibar, which means less greenery and more dust on land.

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Crowd levels: The crowd levels in Tanzania and Zanzibar vary depending on the seasons, the holidays, and the festivals. The peak season for tourism is from July to October when the weather is dry and cool, and the wildlife is abundant. This is also when most people visit Tanzania and Zanzibar for their holidays. This means higher prices and more crowds. The low season for tourism is from March to May, when the weather is wet and hot, and the wildlife is scarce. This is also when most people avoid Tanzania and Zanzibar for their holidays. This means lower prices and fewer crowds.

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Prices: The prices in Tanzania and Zanzibar depend on the seasons, the demand, and the supply. The high season for prices is from July to October when tourism increases and accommodation is limited. This means higher flights, hotels, safaris, activities, and operators prices. The low season for prices is from March to May, when tourism is down, and accommodation is abundant. This means lower prices for flights, hotels, safaris, activities, and operators.

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Festivals: The festivals in Tanzania and Zanzibar reflect their rich cultural heritage and diversity. They offer a chance to experience their music, dance, art, food, religion, and traditions. Some of the festivals that you can enjoy in Tanzania and Zanzibar are:

• • Sauti za Busara: This is one of the largest music festivals in Africa that takes place every February in Stone Town, Zanzibar. It showcases a variety of African music genres, such as taarab, bongo flava, hip hop, reggae, jazz, and blues. It also features workshops, seminars, exhibitions, and film screenings.
  • Zanzibar International Film Festival: This is one of the largest film festivals in Africa that takes place every July in Stone Town, Zanzibar. It showcases a variety of films from Africa and beyond, such as documentaries, animations, shorts, and features. It also features workshops, seminars, exhibitions, and awards.
  • Mwaka Kogwa: This traditional festival celebrates the Persian New Year in Zanzibar. It takes place every July or August in Makunduchi village. It involves a ritual fight between men using banana stems, a bonfire, a feast, and a dance.
  • Kilimanjaro Marathon: This annual marathon occurs every March in Moshi town, near Mount Kilimanjaro. It attracts thousands of runners worldwide who want to challenge themselves and enjoy the scenic views of the highest mountain in Africa. It also features a half marathon and a fun run.

These are some of the factors that determine the best time to visit for a safari and beach holiday in Tanzania and Zanzibar. The best months to stay for a safari and beach holiday in Tanzania and Zanzibar are June, July, August, September, and October. These are the months when the weather is dry and cool, the wildlife is abundant and visible, the water is clear and calm, the crowds are moderate, and the festivals are vibrant.

Choosing suitable accommodation options for your Zanzibar safari and beach holiday is crucial to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable holiday. When selecting your accommodation options, you must consider your budget, comfort level, location, amenities, and style.

You can find various accommodation options for your Zanzibar safari and beach holiday, from budget to luxury. Some of the types of accommodation options available for your Zanzibar safari and beach holiday are:

* Luxury lodges: These are the most expensive and luxurious accommodation options for your Zanzibar safari and beach holiday. They offer spacious and elegant rooms or suites with private balconies or terraces, en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, TV, minibar, and other amenities. They also offer gourmet dining, swimming pools, spas, gyms, bars, lounges, and other facilities. They are usually located in prime locations, with stunning views of the wildlife or the ocean. Some of the best luxury lodges for your Zanzibar safari and beach holiday are:

• • Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti: This five-star lodge is in the heart of Serengeti National Park. It has 77 rooms and suites, each with a private balcony overlooking the savanna. It also has a restaurant, a bar, a lounge, a spa, a gym, a pool, and a kids club. You can enjoy game drives, hot air balloon rides, bush walks, cultural visits, and other activities from the lodge.
  • The Residence Zanzibar: This five-star resort is located on the southwest coast of Zanzibar. It has 66 villas, each with a private pool, a sun deck, a living room, a bedroom, a bathroom, butler service. It also has a restaurant, a bar, a lounge, a spa, a gym, a pool, and a kids club. You can enjoy snorkeling, diving, sailing, fishing, biking, yoga, and other activities from the resort.

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* Tented camps: These are the most authentic and adventurous accommodation options for your Zanzibar safari and beach holiday. They offer canvas tents on wooden platforms or metal frames, with beds, furniture, lighting, fans, mosquito nets, and other amenities. They also offer communal dining areas, lounges, bars, fireplaces, and other facilities. They are usually located in remote and wild locations, close to nature and wildlife. Some of the best-tented camps for your Zanzibar safari and beach holiday are:

• Serengeti Under Canvas: This is a mobile tented camp that moves around Serengeti National Park according to the movement of the Great Migration. It has nine tents, each with a king-size bed, an en-suite bathroom, a bucket shower, and a flush toilet. It also has a dining tent, a lounge tent, a bar tent, and a campfire. You can enjoy game drives, bush walks, bush dinners, and star gazing from the camp.
• Chole Mjini: This eco-friendly tented camp is located on Chole Island, near Mafia Island. It has seven treehouses, each with a double bed, a mosquito net, a fan, and a composting toilet. It also has a restaurant, a bar, a lounge, and a library. You can enjoy snorkeling, diving, sailing, fishing, kayaking, biking, and cultural visits from the camp.

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* Resorts: These are the most luxurious and exclusive accommodation options for your Zanzibar safari and beach holiday. They offer spacious and elegant villas or bungalows with private pools, sun decks, living rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms, and butler services. They also offer all-inclusive dining, drinks, activities, entertainment, and transfers. They are usually in secluded and private locations with stunning ocean or island views. Some of the best resorts for your Zanzibar safari and beach holiday are:

• Singita Faru Faru Lodge: This ultra-luxury lodge is in Grumeti Game Reserve, a private concession within Serengeti National Park. It has nine villas, each with a private pool, a sun deck, a lounge, a bedroom, a bathroom, and a butler service. It also has a restaurant, a bar, a lounge, a spa, a gym, a pool, and a library. You can enjoy game drives, walking safaris, horse riding, hot air balloon rides, and other activities from the lodge.
• Zawadi Hotel Zanzibar: This exclusive resort is located on the southeast coast of Zanzibar. It has 12 villas, each with a private plunge pool, a sun deck, a living room, a bedroom, a bathroom, butler service. It also has a restaurant, a bar, a lounge, a pool, and a spa. You can enjoy snorkeling, diving, sailing, fishing, kayaking, yoga, and other activities from the resort.

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* Hotels: These are the most common and convenient accommodation options for your Zanzibar safari and beach holiday. They offer standard rooms or suites with private bathrooms, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, TV, minibar, and other amenities. They also provide breakfast, restaurants, bars, pools, gyms, spas, and other facilities. They are usually located in urban or coastal areas, with easy access to attractions and activities. Some of the best hotels for your Zanzibar safari and beach holiday are:

• Arusha Coffee Lodge: This four-star hotel is located in Arusha town, near Kilimanjaro International Airport. It has 30 rooms and suites, each with a private balcony overlooking the coffee plantation. It also has a restaurant, a cafe, a bar, a lounge, a pool, and a spa. You can enjoy coffee tours, cultural visits, shopping, and other activities from the hotel.
• Zanzibar Serena Hotel: This five-star hotel is cin Stone Town, the historic center of Zanzibar. It has 51 rooms and suites, each with a private balcony overlooking the Indian Ocean or the town. It also has a restaurant, a bar, a lounge, a pool, and a spa. You can enjoy spice tours, cultural visits, shopping, and other activities from the hotel.

Making your safari and beach holiday in Zanzibar more fun and memorable is easy and exciting. You can try some of the must-do activities and experiences available for your safari and beach holiday in Zanzibar. They will allow you to see more of the wildlife and nature, learn more about the history and culture, and have more fun and adventure.

Some of the must-try activities and experiences on a safari and beach holiday in Zanzibar are:

• Hot air balloon rides over Serengeti: This is one of the most unique and thrilling activities you can do on your safari in Zanzibar. You can take a hot air balloon ride over Serengeti National Park at sunrise or sunset and enjoy the breathtaking views of the savanna and the wildlife. You can see the Great Migration from above, the predators, and other animals. You can also enjoy a champagne breakfast or dinner after your flight.
• Crater walk in Ngorongoro: This is one of the most adventurous and rewarding activities you can do on your safari in Zanzibar. You can take a crater walk in Ngorongoro Crater with an armed ranger and a guide and explore the diverse habitats and wildlife of the caldera. You can see elephants, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, flamingos, hippos, hyenas, jackals, and many more. You can also see some of Africa’s highest densities of lions and black rhinos.
• Boat safari in Selous: This is one of the most relaxing and enjoyable activities you can do on your safari in Zanzibar. You can take a boat safari along the Rufiji River in Selous Game Reserve with a guide and admire the scenic landscape and wildlife of the reserve. You can see various animals, plants, and birds in the river, such as crocodiles, hippos, giraffes, antelopes, and wild dogs. You can also enjoy a picnic lunch or sundowner drinks on the riverbank.
• Night game drive in Tarangire: This is one of the most exciting and unique activities you can do on your safari in Zanzibar. You can take a night game drive in Tarangire National Park with a guide and a spotlight and discover the nocturnal life and behavior of the park. You can see some of the rarest and most elusive animals, such as leopards, cheetahs, porcupines, civets, and bush babies. You can also hear the sounds and calls of the animals in the dark.
• Spice tour in Stone Town: One of the most educational and cultural activities you can do on your beach holiday in Zanzibar. You can take a spice tour in Stone Town with a guide and learn about the history and production of spices in Zanzibar. You can visit spice farms and plantations and see, smell, taste, and touch different spices, such as cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla. You can also buy fresh and organic spices for yourself or souvenirs.
• Dhow cruise in Nungwi: This is one of the most romantic and scenic activities you can do on your beach holiday in Zanzibar. You can take a dhow cruise in Nungwi with a guide and sail on the traditional wooden boat along the coast of Zanzibar. You can enjoy the views of the ocean, the beach, and the island. You can also swim, snorkel, dive, fish, or relax on the boat. You can watch the sunset over the horizon and have a candlelit dinner or drinks on the boat.
• Kite surfing in Paje is one of the most fun and exhilarating activities you can do on your beach holiday in Zanzibar. You can kite surf in Paje with a guide or an instructor and ride on the wind and the waves along the beach of Zanzibar. You can enjoy the thrill and the speed of kite surfing, as well as the views of the water, the sand, and the sky. You can also learn the basics, improve your kite surfing skills, and have a great time on the water.
• Turtle sanctuary visit in Matemwe: One of the most meaningful and rewarding activities you can do on your beach holiday in Zanzibar. You can visit the turtle sanctuary in Matemwe with a guide and support the conservation and protection of sea turtles in Zanzibar. You can see, feed, touch, and swim with different species of sea turtles, such as green turtles, hawksbill turtles, and loggerhead turtles. You can also learn about their life cycle, their threats, and their importance to the ecosystem.

These are some must-try activities and experiences on a safari and beach holiday in Zanzibar. You can also try other activities and experiences, such as horse riding, yoga, cultural visits, shopping, and more. You can also book, prepare, enjoy, capture, and share these activities and experiences with your travel agent, guide, operator, camera, and social media.

In conclusion, a Zanzibar safari and beach holiday is a fantastic choice for travelers who love nature, wildlife, culture, adventure, and relaxation. It offers a unique opportunity to explore two of Africa’s most beautiful and diverse destinations: Tanzania and Zanzibar. It also provides various options to suit your preferences and goals for your safari and beach holiday.

By following this ultimate guide to the Tanzania safari and Zanzibar beach holiday, you can plan, book, and enjoy your dream trip to Tanzania and Zanzibar. You will be able to see more of the wildlife and nature, learn more about the history and culture, and have more fun and adventure on your safari and beach holiday.

So what are you waiting for? Book your Zanzibar safari and beach holiday with African Spice Safaris as soon as possible, and experience the tale of two paradises. Don’t forget to share your feedback, questions, or suggestions with me. I would love to hear from you.